A new chunk of federal funding will help create Phoenix tech jobs and weatherize many buildings throughout the city.
The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced that it will award a $700,000 Sustainable Energy Resources for Consumers Grant to the Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department. The funding will allow the program to install solar or heat pump hot water systems in low and moderate income homes.
The PNSD received the grant after being recognized as a high-performing local weatherization agency. With $7.2 million in previously-awarded funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the agency has weatherized 384 of 951 units in the Weatherization Assistance Program.
"This grant helps us take another step forward in the Green Phoenix plan to make our city the most sustainable in the country while building partnerships, creating jobs and stimulating the local economy," Mayor Phil Gordon said. "I thank the U.S. Department of Energy for recognizing Phoenix with this grant and also appreciate the efforts of our Neighborhood Services Department staff in securing it."
The grant program is part of a $90 million plan by the DOE to complement and expand existing weatherization programs. The PNSD was just one of three weatherization agencies in Arizona and 103 throughout the nation to receive funding."During these tough economic times, it's more important than ever for cities to find creative resources to fund programs that support our residents most in need," PNSD Acting Director Chris Hallett said. "In addition to delivering even greater energy-bill savings for local families, this program will benefit our environment, as well."